'That's cool': Michigan QB Bryce Underwood has icy response to Kyle Whittingham's words about his job security

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'That's cool': Michigan QB Bryce Underwood has icy response to Kyle Whittingham's words about his job security originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Things are going swimmingly in Ann Arbor, folks. Michigan just barely beat Western Michigan at home to open the season thanks to a phantom extra second placed back on the clock. A few days later, and we could have a bit of a quarterback controversy on our hands. 

In the win over WMU, Wolverines sophomore quarterback Bryce Underwood struggled, throwing for 170 yards and the game-winning Hail Mary touchdown. But he turned the ball over twice, throwing an interception in the second quarter and a near game-ending fumble in the fourth quarter. 

UM head coach Kyle Whittingham didn't exactly exude confidence when he was asked if Underwood, a former five-star quarterback recruit, was still the Wolverines' starter. Underwood was then told of his coach's comments at an availability on Tuesday. 

Here's everything you need to know.  

MORE: Michigan's backup QB is a member of Lloyd Carr's family tree

What did Kyle Whittingham say about Bryce Underwood's job security?

Against the Broncos, Michigan's offense managed just 276 total yards of offense, and was three-of-10 on third down, and Underwood completed just over half of his passes. Michigan entered as 27.5-point favorites, and the Wolverine home crowd was audibly frustrated at the offensive execution.  

Naturally, a reporter asked Whittingham if Underwood is the clear starter under center after the poor performance.  

"He's our quarterback right now," Whittingham told reporters on Monday. It's not something that's infinite," Whittingham said. "We need to see improvement with a bunch of stuff… it's not just Bryce's job that's set in concrete. Nobody's job is."

Underwood has been Michigan's starter since his true freshman season in 2025. Last season, he threw for 2,428 yards with 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He rushed for another 392 yards with six touchdowns while completing 60.3% of his passes. Against Texas in the Citrus Bowl, he threw a season-high three interceptions.

MORE:MAC commish Jon Steinbrecher weighs in on Michigan-Western Michigan clock mishap

Bryce Underwood response to Kyle Whittingham comments about his job security 

A day after Whittingham's press conference on Wednesday,  Underwood met with the media. He was asked about Whittingham's comments about the quarterback position, which apparently was news to Underwood. 

"There was comments about that?" Underwood was heard saying. He then just responded "That's cool" when the reporter summed up what his coach said:

Bryce Underwood kept it pretty simple when asked about Kyle Whittingham’s comments on his starting job.

🎥: @CSayf23pic.twitter.com/I1GbLITGr6

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 9, 2026

To be fair, this is a fine question by the reporter to Underwood. But the reporter could have definitely added a little more context to what Whittingham said, as the head coach stated that no one's job on the whole roster is concrete, including Underwood's.  

Will Michigan bench Bryce Underwood?

At this time, it appears as though the job is Underwood's to lose. He is expected to be the starter for the Wolverines' Week 2 game against No. 11 Oklahoma. 

The Wolverines are listed as 5.5-point home underdogs. If Underwood continues to play poorly, there is a chance for Whittingham to turn to backup quarterback Tommy Carr. 

Carr is the grandson of legendary former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr, and his father played for the Wolverines. His family has long ties to UM.  

Coming out of high school in Saline, Mich., Tommy was rated as a four-star prospect per the 247Sports Composite, rated as the No. 22 overall quarterback from 2026 and the No. 7 overall player in his home state. 

MORE:College football picks, predictions against the spread for Week 2 matchups

Michigan QB depth chart

Bryce Underwood stats vs Western Michigan

• Comp/Att: 12/22
• Pass Yards: 170 
• TD: 1
• INT: 1
• Comp.: 54.6%
• Rush Yards: 47
• Sack: 1
• Rush TD: 1

Regardless of how Michigan's game against Oklahoma turns out, the whole situation is worth monitoring as the season progresses. Saturday's game kicks off at Noon ET.   

MORE:How Michigan Hail Mary compares to 'Kick Six' and other time-related controversies in CFB history

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